Safety and security, in addition to Chicken Rice and cleanliness, are two things residents in Singapore treasure.
We feel safe walking home at night, which is not something you can get everywhere.
In fact, Singapore ranked first in Gallup’s 2020 Global Law and Order report for the seventh consecutive year.
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The report ranks countries based on people’s sense of personal security and their personal experiences with crime and law enforcement.
The authorities here also reported a drop in physical crimes last year.
However, as you’ve seen on countless banners around Singapore, low crime doesn’t mean no crime.
And when physical crimes do take place, they can be rather violent.
Man Used Karambit Knife to Attack Victims at Jalan Bukit Merah Riot
A fight broke out in Jalan Bukit Merah last Friday night (11 June), according to ST.
Three young people were attacked in the fight. One of the assailants is suspected to have attacked the victims with a karambit knife.
For those who don’t know, a karambit knife is a small Indonesian curved knife that resembles a claw. It was initially designed for agricultural purposes.
Two of the victims, aged 14 and 15, were taken to hospital after the attack. Officers seized the karambit knife.
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The next day, the police arrested 7 men aged between 15 and 29 for rioting armed with a deadly weapon.
Five will be charged in court on Monday.
Initial investigations have shown that the three victims are known to the assailants and were allegedly attacked due to an argument.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Offence Punishable With 10-year Jail Sentence
The offence of rioting armed with a deadly weapon isn’t taken lightly by the authorities. It can be punished with a jail term of up to 10 years, as well as caning.
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“The police will not tolerate such brazen acts of violence and blatant disregard of the law,” the police said.
Knives Easily Available to Youth
It turns out that anyone can buy knives like the karambit knife, as the authorities do not prohibit the sale of folding knives, hunting knives and utility knives, including karambits.
However, anyone found in possession of these knives in a public place without a lawful purpose may be liable for the offence of possessing an offensive weapon under the Corrosives and Explosives Substances and Offensive Weapons Act.
One mother got the shock of her life back in 2017 when she discovered her 11-year-old son had bought a karambit knife from a toyshop in Tampines.
“I am appalled at how easy it is for a child in primary school to purchase this weapon without (the shop) checking the age of the child,” she said.
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Featured Image: Singapore Police Force
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
